Republican National Convention Announces Program Changes; Criticized After Storm Fizzles
- Details
- Parent Category: News
- Category: Beltway Insider
- Published on Tuesday, 28 August 2012 10:27
- Written by Janet Walker
The Republican National Convention officially began its full program today after Tropical Storm Isaac passed due west sparing Tampa Bay a full force hit.
Republican National Convention officials announced via a phone in press conference schedule changes due to the impending weather emergency.
Kyle Downey, Press Secretary for Republican National Convention, introduced Russ Schriefer, Chief Political Strategist for Mitt Romney who made these remarks, “Thank you all for taking the time to phone in. We have a weather situation and we're dealing with it. Most of the Monday speakers we were able to put into a Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday Schedule.” He added, “None of the primetime speakers will change. We did not change the 10:00 to 11:00 o’clock hour on any night. So the 10:00pm - 11:00pm hour remains the same with Mrs. Romney on Tuesday with Governor Christie as the keynote. Wednesday would be Secretary Rice followed by Governor Martinez and Congressman Paul Ryan and on Thursday night Senator Marco Rubio and Governor Mitt Romney; So the Tuesday, Wednesday Thursday 10:00-11:00 primetime does not change.”
Schriefer indicated the only matter of business set for Monday will be the convening of the convention by RNC Chairman Reince Priebus who will bring down the gavel and immediately recess the convention until Tuesday.
Schriefer also indicated separately that Senator Rick Santorum, who caused so much commotion during the primary season, will also be speaking.
The RNC has decided to condense the four day convention into three by eliminating non-essential speakers and trimming speeches. The Monday program will be merged into Tuesday’s “We Built it” and “We Can Do Better” can easily be put into the entire program on each day. “We Can Change It” and ‘We Believe in American” and all becomes part of the overall theme.
Organizers have been sharply criticized, by members so the media looking for cause, due to their seemingly overreaction to the impact of Hurricane Isaac. Organizers are faced with a “damned if we do and damned if we don’t situation.” Now, after the storm faded and fizzled, every armchair quarterback is posting his or her opinion on how and ultimately why this decision affects future leadership. Hurricanes are unpredictable; they can sit slowly, out at sea, churn and gain strength, teasing the shoreline with disaster. Smartly, the Republican Party decided they were not the risky Hurricane Party die hard.
The Republican National Convention has also announced their Entertainment. The all American musical lineup ranges from southern hard rockers, Lynard Skynard to American Idol winner Taylor Hicks to Gospel Singer, Bebe Winans. GE Smith, the lead guitarist of Saturday Night Live house band is leading the RNC House Band.
It’s unclear if Tropical Storm Isaac will become part of Governor Romney’s acceptance speech.
For more information on the Republican National Convention: www.GOPConvention2012.com
